Drew McIntyre Says He Knew He Would Be "Back Home" In WWE

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion McIntyre is back in WWE after a few years away from the company. During his time away, he found success in independent promotions and Impact Wrestling. On April 1st, he appeared ringside in a suit jacket as an announcement he would be in NXT. McIntyre spoke with The Scottish Sun and talked about the crowd reaction at NXT Takeover: Orlando and how he felt to be back in WWE.

“I’ve had some incredible moments but that might have topped them all. The fans know my history and my story the past few years and to hear that response, my mind is absolutely blown. A part of me always knew I’d end up back home, I grew up here in WWE from the ages of 21 to 29 and did great things around the world. Everything in wrestling is timing and this really is the right time for me and my wife Caitlin. I am more mature and more ready and I’m a man now. I was a boy that grew up in front of the world on television. Now I’m a man,” said McIntyre.

He says his time away also helped him steer his in-ring persona away from just being Scottish.

"I’ve been very fortunate,not many people have left WWE and then had the chance to reinvent themselves...Back in the day I would get a character but now I have the freedom to be myself. Nothing changes with me and the fans and I’m always just Drew, no matter what," said McIntyre.

At the time he appeared in the crowd on the WWE Network, McIntyre was originally scheduled for a match at an independent organization, but in the final hours he was pulled and brought to NXT Takeover: Orlando.